Become a Certified Computer Science Teacher in Florida
- Designed for teachers with little or no CS background
- FTCE exam-focused curriculum and practice
- Your district may reimburse tuition and exam fees through FLDOE grants
Why Add Computer Science Certification?
Adding Computer Science certification to your existing teaching credentials provides significant professional and personal advantages in today's education landscape.
Career & Financial Benefits
Salary premiums — Many districts offer $1,000–$5,000+ annual stipends for CS teachers
Job security — Become more valuable and harder to replace
Administrative pathway — Opens doors to technology coordinator and curriculum specialist roles
Professional Growth
Cross-curricular integration — Bring computational thinking to any subject
High student engagement — CS classes often have motivated, interested students
PD opportunities — Access to cutting-edge training, conferences, and grants
Flexibility & Options
Curriculum freedom — More creative flexibility than traditional core subjects
Industry connections — Partner with tech companies, internships, guest speakers
Additional income — Tech camps, workshops, curriculum development opportunities
Future-Proofing & Impact
Growing requirements — More states mandating CS education means expanding opportunities
Grant funding available — Federal/state money specifically for CS education initiatives
High impact — Directly prepare students for high-demand, well-paying careers
The Bottom Line
The CS teacher shortage is so acute that many districts are essentially seeking qualified CS teachers, giving certified teachers significant advantages in negotiations, career advancement, and professional satisfaction. You'll be teaching one of the most relevant and future-focused subjects in education today.
Addressing Florida's CS Teacher Shortage
The Challenge
Florida is experiencing a critical shortage of computer science teachers, alongside shortages in other subject areas. While FL Statute 1007.2616 requires K-12 schools to provide face-to-face Computer Science courses with properly certified teachers, most schools are currently defaulting to Florida Virtual School (FLVS) due to lack of certified instructors on campus.
State Investment
The state has allocated $9 million in grants through the Computer Science Teacher Certification program to support teacher training and certification costs.
How District Reimbursement Works
FLDOE distributes grant funds directly to school districts each year. Teachers notify their district of their intent to take the certification course and exam, get district confirmation, complete the training and exam, and then request reimbursement from their district for covered costs.
About the Course
This course helps Florida teachers prepare for the FTCE Computer Science K–12 certification exam. It focuses on practical, classroom-ready content that meets state standards. Our goal is to make certification achievable — especially for teachers who may not have a background in computer science.
Who Should Enroll
Teachers with little or no prior experience in computer science
Educators interested in teaching AP Computer Science Principles or coding electives
Course Format
Delivery: Multiple options being finalized based on teacher survey
Schedule: Flexible weekday evenings and/or weekend options based on participant needs
Length: 12–14 weeks
Support: Weekly office hours
What You'll Learn
Our curriculum is aligned with all seven FTCE Computer Science K-12 competencies, ensuring comprehensive preparation for certification success:
Computational Thinking & Problem Solving – 15%
Software development life cycle stages
Predicting algorithm outputs and testing solutions
Data Types & Structures – 15%
Binary, decimal, and hexadecimal number systems
Arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, and sets
Programming Logic – 20%
Debugging techniques and error types
Object-oriented vs procedural programming
Searching and sorting algorithms
Programming Languages – 20%
Java programming fundamentals
Object-oriented principles (abstraction, encapsulation, inheritance)
Hardware, Software & Networking – 10%
Network protocols and cloud computing
Application and productivity software
Social Issues & Ethics – 10%
Historical computer technology milestones
Cybersecurity and data protection
Computer Science Pedagogy – 10%
Weekly Course Modules
The course is divided into 10 weekly modules, each designed to build your knowledge step-by-step. Each module includes readings, a lecture presentation, and a quiz to reinforce learning.
Week 1: Computer Science & Binary Numbers
Readings: Introduction to Computer Systems & Binary Logic
Presentation Topics: Hardware Components, Data Storage, Software Types, Binary & Hexadecimal Systems
Quiz: Computer Systems & Binary Numbers Assessment
Week 2: Problem Solving & Computer Logic
Readings: Computational Thinking & Logic Fundamentals
Presentation Topics: Problem-Solving Process, Algorithms, Flowcharts, Pseudocode, Propositional Logic
Quiz: Problem Solving & Logic Assessment
Week 3: Variable Data Types & Java Programming
Readings: Java Basics & Data Types
Presentation Topics: Variables, Constants, Scope, Java Syntax, Main Method, "Hello World"
Quiz: Java Basics Assessment
Week 4: Java Constructs & Data Manipulation
Readings: Control Structures & Data Structures
Presentation Topics: Sequencing, Selection, Iteration, Methods, Arrays, Linked Lists, Stacks, Queues
Quiz: Java Constructs Assessment
Week 5: Advanced Iteration & Algorithm Testing
Readings: Advanced Algorithms & Testing Methodologies
Presentation Topics: Nested Loops, Recursion, Code Tracing, Systematic Testing, Boundary Value Analysis
Quiz: Advanced Algorithms Assessment
Week 6: Debugging & Object-Oriented Programming
Readings: OOP Principles & Debugging Strategies
Presentation Topics: Error Types, Debugging Techniques, OOP vs. Procedural, Abstraction, Encapsulation, Inheritance, Polymorphism
Quiz: OOP & Debugging Assessment
Week 7: Searching, Sorting Algorithms, & Networks
Readings: Algorithms & Network Fundamentals
Presentation Topics: Linear vs. Binary Search, Sorting Algorithms (Selection, Insertion, Merge), OSI Model, Network Devices
Quiz: Algorithms & Networks Assessment
Week 8: Digital World
Readings: Digital Safety, Security & Ethics
Presentation Topics: Network Protocols, Cloud Computing, Intellectual Property, Digital Citizenship, Malware, CIA Triad
Quiz: Digital World Assessment
Week 9: Curriculum Design, Equity, & Career Pathways
Readings: CS Pedagogy & Classroom Management
Presentation Topics: Classroom Environment, Active Learning, Assessment, Equity & Access, Career Landscapes
Quiz: Pedagogy & Curriculum Assessment
Week 10: Final Review & Certification Practice
Readings: Comprehensive Review Materials
Presentation Topics: Course Wrap-up, Mock Exam Strategies, Final Q&A
Quiz: Final Certification Practice Exam
Course Funding
Course Investment
| Course Tuition: $XXX | FTCE Exam Fee $150 | Total Estimated Cost: $XXX |
Reimbursement Available
Your school district may be eligible for FLDOE Computer Science Teacher Certification grants that can reimburse these costs. Contact your district for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the district reimburse process work?
The Florida Department of Education allocates $9 million in annual grants to school districts through the Computer Science Teacher Certification program — not directly to teachers. Here's how the process works:
- Notify your district — Let your school or district know you plan to enroll in a CS certification course and take the FTCE exam.
- Get district confirmation — Your district reviews and confirms your request based on available grant funds they've received from FLDOE.
- Complete the course and exam — Take the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø certification course and sit for the FTCE Computer Science K-12 exam.
- Request reimbursement — Submit your receipts to your district's grants or professional development office to be reimbursed for covered costs.
Contact your district early — funds are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
What costs can be reimbursed?
According to FLDOE guidelines, district grant funds can cover: (1) training for classroom teachers to earn K-12 computer science certification, (2) fees for examinations that lead to credentials, and (3) professional learning for computer science instruction. This includes our course tuition and the FTCE exam fee. Since funds flow from FLDOE to your district, check with your district's grants or professional development office to confirm what is covered and what their reimbursement procedure requires.
Do I need programming experience to enroll?
No programming experience is required. This course is specifically designed for teachers with little or no computer science background. We start with fundamentals and build up to the level needed for the FTCE exam.
Is this course for college credit?
No, this is a non-credit professional learning course focused specifically on FTCE Computer Science K-12 certification preparation. Participants receive a certificate of completion from ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø College of Education.
What delivery options will be available?
We're currently surveying teachers from Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando, Sarasota, and Hillsborough districts to determine their preferred delivery modes and scheduling options. Based on this feedback, we expect to offer multiple delivery formats and flexible weekday/weekend scheduling to best serve our participants' needs.
What is FL Statute 1007.2616 and why does it matter?
FL Statute 1007.2616 requires K-12 schools to provide face-to-face Computer Science courses with properly certified teachers. Currently, many schools default to Florida Virtual School (FLVS) due to lack of certified CS teachers on campus. Getting certified allows you to teach these courses in-person at your school.
Who is eligible for this course?
This course is designed for current Florida K-12 teachers who want to add computer science certification to their existing teaching credentials. You should be employed by a Florida school district and interested in teaching computer science courses like AP Computer Science Principles or coding electives.
When do applications open?
Applications for the Fall 2026 cohort will open on May 15, 2026. We'll notify interested candidates when the application process begins. You can express your interest now by contacting us.
Program Faculty
Zafer Unal
Professor, Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies
Nithin Palyam
Research Assistant, ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø College of Computer Science & Engineering
Contact Us
Have questions or need more information? Our team is ready to help with any inquiries about the program.
(727) 873-4803